One of Montréal’s great failures is the construction of the Lachine Canal. It was built in the early 1800s in order to bypass the rapids on the St Lawrence and enable shipping to other big production centres to the west. The railways and some new American waterway made the canal irrelevant as it was slower … [Read more…]
We loved the international installations at the Botanical Gardens two years ago. They were in competition and the exhibits were stunning. As a result, we didn’t spend much time in the permanent features of the Jardin Botanique. This time there are no temporary exhibits so we experience the glory of this living green space for what … [Read more…]
Blaise and I visited the Biodôme together two years ago and were thoroughly impressed so we insist Amber and Acadia join us this time. We try to go the day before but the crowds convince us to return the following day – earlier. It is a great strategy as we tour virtually alone for the … [Read more…]
Annually, Montréal sponsors a series of gala performances put on by some of the most famous stand-up comics. This year Norm MacDonald, that lady from Glee, Neil Patrick Harris, Patrick Stewart, Mike Myers, and a bunch of others are performing, but they go on late and tickets are pricy. So, we’ve never been to a … [Read more…]
Further to my expedition to find the elusive Heady Topper, I participate in some extemporaneous activities in the beautiful green state of Vermont with my lovely sister-in-law April. I remember from an Oprah episode where the von Trapp adult children were featured that they had settled in the United States in New England so I am … [Read more…]
At the very top of BeerAdvocate.com’s list of Top 250 Beers, as rated by their users (who are quite particular), stands an American Double India Pale Ale brewed by The Alchemist in Waterbury, VT called Heady Topper. While I’ve checked the list many times to check for new brews and to see if anything Canadian … [Read more…]
Got into Montreal on a Tuesday for nearly 3 weeks of relaxing in this gorgeous city. We hit the ground running yesterday. We began by stopping into a 24/7 outdoor produce market on our way to Mont Royal. Amber wanted something local so she picked up some sour cherries which we enjoyed during out picnic … [Read more…]
Just west of Calgary is this very new provincial park. We had never been until last weekend. I can say that I really appreciate the beauty that the prairies and foothills possess. The multitude of grasses. The expansive sky. The trembling aspen. The Rocky Mountain frame.
This is our family’s fourth time attending the frenetic Calgary Reads Big Book Sale in the 7 years living in Calgary and I think it will need to become an annual tradition. I met my family there after work. They spent the day downtown already for the Children’s Festival. I have to be very careful … [Read more…]
Every year. Every year since I’ve met my wife*, I have made the trek north to Smithers, Hazelton, Kispiox, etc., BC to visit her mom, aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents, friends. It’s a very long drive. Interestingly, it’s essentially the same distance from Edmonton as it currently is from Calgary: 1,150 kms. While it would only … [Read more…]